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Charlotte Edwards has ended a 20-year England career after “honest and open” discussions with coach Mark Robinson but would have “loved” to carry on.
Made a CBE in 2014, the 36-year-old is the only player – man or woman – to captain England in 200 internationals.
“It became clear that Mark wants to build a new team and I fully support that,” Edwards said.
She made her international debut in 1996, becoming the youngest player to represent England.
“I would have loved to have carried on. Whilst I am disappointed that I won’t be doing so, I fully understand and respect what Mark is looking to do,” she added.
“This is a new era and he wants other players to come to the fore to build a strong team.”
Edwards led England to the 2009 World Cup and World T20 titles, also winning four Ashes series against Australia.
But the team has struggled of late, despite the introduction of central contracts in 2014 to help make women’s cricket more professional.
After relinquishing the Ashes to Australia last summer, England were beaten in the semi-finals of the 2016 World T20.
| Edwards for England |
|---|
| Tests: 1,676 runs from 23 matches at 44.10 average; four centuries and nine fifties |
| ODIs: 5,992 runs from 191 matches at 38.16; nine centuries and 46 fifties |
| T20s: 2,605 runs from 95 matches at 32.97; 12 fifties |
Ebony Rainford-Brent, who was a member of the World Cup-winning team in 2009, said it was the right time for Edwards to go.
“The 2017 World Cup will be here in England and the side hasn’t continued that success from 2009,” she said.
“It’s a difficult decision but it gives the team time to build towards the World Cup with a younger captain in place.”
Edwards will continue to play domestic cricket, captaining the Southern Vipers in the inaugural Kia Super League this summer and leading Kent in the Royal London Women’s One-Day Championship.
“I leave very proud of the standing in which the women’s game is held and of my contribution as a player and captain,” she said.
